Russia Sends Cash to Syria Amid Western Sanctions Hesitance
Syria’s central bank confirmed a shipment of local currency from Russia, signaling future relations post-Assad. This follows recent discussions between Syrian interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa and Vladimir Putin. While Russia continues to support Syria economically and militarily, Western reluctance to lift sanctions complicates matters for Syria’s new government, which seeks to build new alliances and encourage international investment.
On recent Friday, Syria’s central bank confirmed the arrival of a shipment of its local currency from Russia, which has been printing the Syrian lira for several years. This development follows a phone conversation between Syria’s interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa and Russian President Vladimir Putin, potentially signaling the future trajectory of their bilateral relations.
The currency shipment is believed to adhere to a prior contract established before Bashar al-Assad’s fall in December. It may reflect how Syria’s new administration intends to engage with various international political entities, as they push for western states to reconsider the sanctions placed on the previous regime.
Russia was a steadfast ally of Bashar al-Assad during the prolonged Syrian civil war, maintaining military support since 2015. Post-Assad’s downfall, he and his family sought asylum in Moscow, showcasing the deep ties forged during the conflict.
Ongoing sanctions from western nations, primarily the U.S., may drive Russia and other comparable powers to forge closer alliances with Syria’s new governance. Many anticipated that Assad’s removal would signify a decline in Russian influence, yet al-Sharaa’s approach suggests a diplomatic effort to maintain connections with Russia.
Economics expert Jihad Yazigi remarked, “We have seen how he has been trying to keep ties with Moscow, to most people’s surprise.” He further noted that Russia’s historical investments and military support play crucial roles in maintaining relations with Syria’s leadership.
Despite the optimism surrounding Assad’s ousting, western nations remain reluctant to lift sanctions which hinder Syria’s economic recovery. This resistance perpetuates economic instability, undermining potential reconstruction efforts, as many international stakeholders are wary of re-engaging with the Syrian regime.
Notable voices against prolonged sanctions include Farid al-Madhhan, who has called for the cessation of these restrictive measures following his work exposing human rights violations. Some European nations have indicated potential flexibility regarding sanctions, though the U.S. remains staunchly against significant changes.
The U.S. has provided minor adjustments allowing certain transactions but maintains a tough stance overall. Sebastian Gorka, a U.S. counter-terrorism director, voiced skepticism regarding al-Sharaa’s past, suggesting that sanctions will remain as leverage against Syria.
Yazigi compared Syria’s situation to Sudan, where lifting U.S. sanctions hinged on political actions such as recognizing Israel. This could present a similarly complex political scenario in Syria, where such recognition could be deemed politically unfeasible.
Experts emphasize the necessity for Syria to cultivate a diverse range of international allies, enabling the new government to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes while remaining adaptable to external pressures. “In Syria, you need alternative foreign allies,” Yazigi stated, emphasizing strategic caution in foreign diplomacy.
In summary, the recent currency shipment from Russia to Syria indicates ongoing relations that may shift in response to geopolitical dynamics. The hesitance from the West, particularly the U.S., to lift sanctions complicates Syria’s economic recovery and foreign engagement. As the new Syrian leadership seeks to balance foreign diplomacy, crafting alliances will be crucial for navigating sanctions and fostering stability in the region.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
